Favorite Places to Run in St. Pete

A Few of Our Favorite Running Spots

Where to Run in St. Pete?

The Sunshine City (aka St. Petersburg, FL) is a gorgeous place to run, walk, and workout. If you like to enjoy waterfront scenery where you might spot a dolphin or a manatee, we know a place you can go in downtown. If you’re looking to run the beach, there are miles and miles of breathtaking white-sand beaches nearby. Do you like trails? We have really cool trails! There are some awesome places to run in and around the city of St. Pete.

But first…

GET A PROPER SHOE FITTING – There are a variety of factors to consider when buying walking and running shoes. Some of those factors include neutral versus stability shoes, heel to toe drop differentials, cushioning systems and levels, all of which can be explained in detail by a shoe expert at St. Pete Running Company as they walk you through a StrideSmart Shoe Fitting.

Here’s Where to Run in St. Pete

Are you new to the area? Is this your first time visiting? Have you lived here a long time but would love to know about some of our favorite places to run? Here’s a great list to get you started.

1. St. Pete Running Company Group Run
2. Boyd Hill Trail Fun Run
3. Ft. Desoto
4. Downtown St. Pete

St. Pete Running Company Group Runs

We have FREE Group Runs from the store every Monday and Thursday Night at 6:30 PM. This friendly and casual group run contains runners and walkers of all ability levels. If you’re looking to start running, or just want a few people who run your speed, this is the group for you! We’ll help you find a running partner of your ability level. You WON’T be intimidated by this group!

We meet at the store (6986 22nd Ave N in St. Pete) and head out together after a group dynamic warm-up. We hop on the paved Pinellas Trail and most people do about a 5K, but you get to turn around whenever you want. And you get to chose whatever pace makes you comfortable, including walking. Plus this takes away any concern about wondering where to run in St. Pete with a group because we’ve got you covered.

All FIRST TIMERS receive a $10 Gift Card to our store as our way of rewarding you for joining us!

Get Fit St. Pete: Trail Fun Run

Once you enter Fort Desoto (3500 Pinellas Bayway South), you’ll discover over 6 miles of paved trails weaving throughout the beautiful nature park. This popular running locale is about 7 miles south of downtown St. Pete and includes some of the most breathtaking beaches in Florida. Note that if you choose to enter the park with a vehicle, the cost to enter is $5 cash only. No cost to enter on foot. Parking once inside is free.

If your search for where to run in St. Pete leads you to Ft. Desoto, consider parking at the farthest northern parking lot at North Beach, which has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Beaches” for many years. From there, walkers and runners can head out on the paved recreational trails. The down and back route to the eastern tip of the island is a little over 10 miles.

Another reason Fort Desoto Island Park Trail is a favorite place to run in St. Pete is the wildlife spotted by visitors, such as gopher tortoises on land and dolphins by sea. The paved trail runs along the remnants of a historical fort. Walkers and joggers will also enjoy the overlooks all along the trail with gorgeous views of Tampa Bay.

Downtown St. Pete with a Mural and History Running Tour

Finally, if you’re still asking where to run in St. Pete, check out the heart of the city: Downtown. The modern and historical meet in places like the all-new St. Petersburg Pier which is a short walk or jog away from the historic Vinoy Renaissance Hotel. Downtown is known for its restaurants, brewing companies, retail stores, eclectic murals, and especially the museums, such as the world-renowned Dali Museum. The Saturday Morning Market at Al Lang stadium is one of the top 20 outdoor markets in the country. With incredible initiatives like Healthy St. Pete, the downtown area has continued to allow the Sunshine City to flourish and create space for runners and walkers to enjoy this incredible city.

Prefer a guided tour? We highly recommend the St. Pete Mural and History 10K tour hosted by Allie Hardwick of Go Running Tours Tampa Bay and one of our very own St. Pete Running Company employees.

https://gorunningtours.com/run/st-pete-mural-and-history-tour-10k

If you decide to run on your own, a paved running and walking trail follows the entire length of the downtown waterfront scene, lending awe-inspiring views to walkers and joggers as they traverse the north-south trail which is about 3 miles one way in the downtown area. The new St. Pete Pier adds a bit of mileage and includes a weekend open-air market with a variety of vendors. The stretch of pier grants walkers and joggers some tremendous views of Tampa Bay with lots of chances to see dolphins and other sea life.

Why Wait When You Can Join a Group Run Now?

Come in to St. Pete Running Company on Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 PM for our free Group Runs. If you’re looking to get a proper shoe fitting, come in any time during normal business hours. We’ll help you find just the right shoes for you.

Still have questions about running in and around St. Pete, including joining a friendly group run? We can help! Call us at 727-800-5043 or come into the store where our shoe experts are ready to provide the high-quality customer service you expect from a Top 50 Running Store in America.